Narrative Therapy Approach

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CREATIVE EXPRESSION IN NARRATIVE THERAPY

Bermúdez, J. M., & Bermúdez, S. (2002). Altar-making with Latino families: A narrative therapy perspective. Journal Of Family Psychotherapy, 13(3-4), 329-347. doi:10.1300/J085v13n03_06
  • Article Synopsis: This article looks at blending experiential processes and narrative therapy in order to encourage a more tangible and visual representation of the deconstructive and reconstructive process that takes place when a client moves from the dominant narrative into their new narrative. Specifically they focus on Latino families and alter-making as a spiritual outlet to address a multitude of issues that manifest throughout the course of family therapy. The authors argue that, in many ways, taking an experiential approach can augment many tools of narrative therapy such as the tangible and visual externalization of the problem. This article is an important contribution to the development of more culturally driven interventions that incorporate spiritual and ceremonial aspects of one’s culture that is often neglected by dominant psychological theory. It also provides an example of specific applications of art and visual stimuli throughout the process of narrative therapy that may serve to further support cultural exploration that may be beneficial to other cultures as well.

Epp, J. (2013). Scarborough Intergenerational Alliance: An art-based narrative therapy model. Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal, 26(1), 13-25. doi:10.1080/08322473.2013.11415575
  • Article Synopsis: This article discusses a narrative therapy approach in an integrated immigrant community that incorporated art therapy techniques. The goal was to assist immigrants in Scarborough with the difficult cultural transitions that emerge, while honoring the differing experiences between generations. The use of art therapy techniques helped with the externalization of the immigration process in hopes of re-authoring this experience in order to honor and learn from these experiences while building alliances within the community. This served to not only build intergenerational alliances, but also moved the community forward in helping the group becoming self-sustaining from within the community. Some of the art therapy techniques incorporated included visual art, drama, music, games, and sports to enhance the narrative concepts and develop a richer story and dialogue between generations. Much of the integration of art therapy techniques actually originated from the clients' desire to do more than simply talk about issues and rather engage in creative activities.

Erbes, C. R., Tillman, J. R., Leskela, J., & Wieling, E. (2014). A pilot examination of the use of Narrative Therapy with individuals diagnosed with PTSD. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 27(6). doi:DOI: 10.1002/jts.21966

  • Erbes et al. explores how Narrative Therapy could be a potential alternative to treating PTSD. 14 veterans diagnosed with PTSD participated in diagnostic interviews and self reported symptoms before partaking in 12 sessions of Narrative Therapy. Only 11 of the 14 veterans completed the treatment. Out of the 11 veterans, 3 of the 11 in the treatment reported abatement of PTSD symptoms. The symptoms were measured by the PTSD scale. Results show pre and post treatment ranging from 0.57 to 0.88. The findings in this article suggests that Narrative therapy may be an alternative treatment to PTSD.


Ricks, L., Kitchens, S., Goodrich, T., & Hancock, E. (2014). My story: The use of narrative therapy in individual and group counseling. Journal Of Creativity In Mental Health, 9(1), 99-110. doi:10.1080/15401383.2013.870947
  • Article Synopsis: The authors in this article discuss the use of narrative therapy techniques in individual and group therapy, as well as with child/adolescent populations. While the authors recognize the benefits of traditional talk therapy, they emphasize that it is often necessary to utilize more creative techniques that help with reframing ideas, shifting perspectives, and externalizing emotions. Creative outlets, or expressive art methods, that are discussed include phototherapy, the use of movies, music, expressive writing, and creating memoirs. These creative outlets are believed to help the client in reauthoring their stories in a unique way that is more appropriate for that individual.

Nsonwu, M. B., Dennison, S., & Long, J. (2015). Foster Care Chronicles: Use of the arts for teens aging out of the foster care system. Journal Of Creativity In Mental Health, 10(1), 18-33. doi:10.1080/15401383.2014.935546
  • Article Synopsis: These authors discuss a project titled the Foster Care Chronicles that integrated narrative therapy techniques with drama therapy. Foster youth that were preparing to “age out” of the program participated in production, writing, and acting for a play that outlined the various experiences of foster youth. Through storytelling, the youth were able to construct meaning out of their own individual experiences, but also facilitated bonding and the sharing of insights within the group. It also provided a space where individuals could tell their own stories in an authentic way. Through an exploration of impact, the authors found that those who had participated in this intervention found the experience beneficial in many ways and fostered positive growth in self-image, self-healing, and self-efficacy.

Carlson, T. D. (1997). Using art in narrative therapy: Enhancing therapeutic possibilities. American Journal Of Family Therapy, 25(3), 271-283. doi:10.1080/01926189708251072
  • Article Synopsis: This author demonstrates how the applications of art therapy can enhance and augment basic principles of narrative therapy. He discusses the theoretical similarities between these two schools of thought and emphasizes the importance of creating a picture in both techniques whether through words or through visual creations. Through case examples, we are able to see real life instances of integrating these theoretical models in attempts to discover the dominant story, externalize the problem, and develop alternative narratives.

Disorders first diagnosed in infancy, childhood or adolescence
Article Synopsis: Coming soon. BV

Universitas Psychologica, 8(1), 199-214. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database
Article Synopsis: Coming soon BV

Article Synopsis: Coming Soon BV



Substance related mood disorders

Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders

Mood Disorders

Anxiety Disorders


Somatoform Disorders

Factitious Disorders

Dissociative Disorders

Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders

Eating Disorders

Sleep Disorders

Impulse Control Disorders

Adjustment Disorders

V Codes

Article Synopsis: This article discusses a Narrative approach to externalize the Virus X that interferes with the preferred way parents want to interact with their children. The authors were able to work with parents in a child behavior management group and create change to empower the parents against Virus X. BV


Article Synopsis: This paper outlines a treatment approach for children and families exposed to violence that aims at decreasing traumatic stress symptoms in children and increasing emotional regulation. Using an Internalized Other Interview within a narrative framework, the child and therapist engage in a reconstructive process to heal the narrative disruption brought about by violence and trauma. It involves a reprocessing of traumatic material and a reworking of damaged attachments between parent and child. BV


Article Synopsis: This article focuses on Narrative therapy at a walk-in clinic with children experiencing anxiety. It demonstrates a clear guideline for narrative questions outlined and illustrated by transcripts from sessions. BV

Article Synopsis: This article illustrates the incorporation of narrative therapy with adolescents and adults with language-literacy deficits to increase self-esteem and self-efficacy. Sample vignettes illustrate key points of how Narrative therapy could be integrated with speech and language therapy to address concomitant factors such as decreased self-esteem.
Beaudoin, M. (2005). Agency and choice in the face of trauma: A Narrative Therapy Map. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 24(4), 32-50. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.
Article synopsis: This article presents a model for guiding conversations with people who have suffered severe trauma. The model is illustrated with the transcript of a therapy session. MB
Anderson, K., & Hiersteiner, C. (2008). Recovering from childhood sexual abuse: Is a “storybook ending” possible?. American Journal of Family Therapy, 36(5), 413-424.
Article synopsis: This is a qualitative study using grounded theory method of inquiry. Social construction and narrative theories are utilized to inform the study. Participants were 25 females and 2 males who attended adult survivor support groups MB


  • Bacon, V. (2007). What potential might narrative therapy have to assist indigenous Australians reduce substance abuse? Australian Aboriginal Studies, 2007(1), 71-82.
Article synopsis: This article provides information about what narrative therapy is and the potential benefits of using this approach with substance abuse cases. The use of stories among the Aboriginal community is traditional; they pass on knowledge from generation to generation through ‘Learning Circles.’ Potential benefits of using the narrative approach with Aboriginal individuals include not blaming the person for the problem and the opportunity for the person to re-author their stories. Narrative therapy may also include outsiders to listen to the stories told by the Aboriginal community and contribute to their stories by reflecting about what they have heard. These messages create links among Aboriginal communities and others in the world. --MTA



  • Barbosa de Oliviera, A.S.(2003). An 'appropriated unusual' reflecting team: Inviting parents to be on the team. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 14, 85-88.
    RT narrative.pdf


This is a short article that does a good job of comparing how narrative or systemic therapy practice differs from traditional practice when working with children with behavioral problems. The different assumptions are discussed as well as the idea of having the parents join the reflecting team that interacts with their child in therapy. The change in viewpoint for both parent and child is beneficial. LL

  • Gilbert, M. C., & Beidler, A. E. (2001). Using the narrative approach in groups for chemically dependent mothers. Social Work with Groups, 24(3/4), 101-115.
Article synopsis: Authors discuss the use of stories as treatment intervention with mothers who are chemically dependent and in group therapy. Co-leaders explore the influence of substance abuse on the women’s lives, exploring the emptiness they have experienced. Women in this treatment group are asked to tell about their struggles, express their feelings, and learn about addictions. Co-leaders initiate the storytelling by telling the group about their role at the residential facility. As group members participate in twelve-step meetings, they prepare for their story telling by writing and sometimes illustrating. Each member shares her “experience, strength, and hope” story by the end of the second month. Co-leaders use puppets in their story telling to discuss addition and community issues. Parables are used to discuss issues like honesty, spirituality, and relapse. The women are asked to tell a story about their families to help them prepare to return to her life outside. The final story is told at graduation, where the group member tells her story and then the therapist highlights the group member’s personal experience going through the treatment process. –MTA

  • Moreira, P., Beutler, L. E., & Gonçalves, Óscar F. (2008). Narrative change in psychotherapy: Differences between good and bad outcome cases in cognitive, narrative, and prescriptive therapies. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64(10), 1181-1194.
Article synopsis: This study investigated the relationship between the patient’s therapeutic narratives and therapeutic outcomes. The six participants in the study were treated with cognitive therapy, narrative therapy, or prescriptive therapy for comorbid depression and substance abuse. Eighteen narratives were reviewed for this study, one from the initial, middle, and final phrase of treatment. Results indicated that there was a higher level of change for those participants who reported good outcomes compared to those who indicated poor results. However, results did not reveal significant differences between the treatment groups. -- MTA
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